Leaving Ziggy Stardust and Major Tom long behind, David Bowie has released "The Next Day," his first studio album in a decade.

The incomparable Van Cliburn has died at the age of 78.

Kevin Ayers, founder of Soft Machine, has died at the age of 69.

VVM properties the SF Weekly and the Seattle Weekly have been sold.

Ever wonder if popular music is better today than it was, say, 40 years ago? Frankly, it isn't. Even with Gangnam style, it's hard to imagine this year producing so many recordings as important as the best of 1972.

With a restored 20 minutes, director Nicolas Roeg's 1976 science fiction film The Man Who Fell to Earth celebrates its rerelease after 35 years. The predicament that sends Thomas Jerome Newton to Earth feels quite prophetic now—Newton's planet suffers from drought and he seeks water. The iconic David Bowie plays Newton with a mixture of grace, intelligence and vulnerability.

The Newport Folk Festival announces stunning lineup. Highlights include: Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, the Decemberists, Emmylou Harris and Elvis Costello.